FasterCures mobilizes for next phase of work to save lives by improving the global medical R&D system, launches health data initiative

World-renowned CEOs and scientists join advisory board

WASHINGTON, October 22, 2018 – FasterCures, the Milken Institute center whose mission is to save lives by speeding medical breakthroughs to patients, is announcing new initiatives to engage the private sector, strengthen global partnerships and harness the power of data to save lives.

The new direction for FasterCures was announced by executive director Tanisha Carino prior to the Milken Institute Future of Health Summit, which begins Tuesday, October 23 in Washington, D.C. Among other priorities, FasterCures is focusing on efforts to:

Advance policies that break down regulatory and other barriers to getting scientific advances to patients more quickly;

Put patients – and their health data – at the center of biomedical research and analysis.

Groundbreaking cures require access to, and analysis of vast amounts of health data. Researchers face obstacles to collecting these data because medical providers often fail to share information with patients, or because patients distrust a system that does not explain how the data will be used or ensure its privacy and security.

FasterCures has created tools to help people understand what makes up their health data, how the information is collected and shared, and how it is used. The initiative is called “Health Data Basics.” Today, the center called on partners to commit to health data principles that will improve patient access to – and motivate sharing of – medical information.

“Real progress against disease is possible if, and only if, medical researchers can access and analyze the vast amounts of genetic and environmental data collected about patients,” Carino explains. “Together, we and our partners can identify best practices and advocate for policies that will help patients obtain their health information and share it in ways that benefit themselves and science.”

FasterCures also announced the creation of an advisory board comprising eminent medical researchers and industry executives that will help inform the center’s work going forward. The board includes:

“We are honored such a distinguished group of leaders is joining FasterCures in this important work,” said Richard Ditizio, president of the Milken Institute. “With more than 10,000 diseases, but only about 500 treatments discovered to date, there is much work to do. The promise of technology along with the ability to access health data from millions of people can bring more cures within reach.”

These initiatives build on decades of efforts to strengthen investment in biomedical research and accelerate new products and therapies. FasterCures has also helped dozens of nonprofit patient organizations expand capacity and impact by using venture philanthropy. In recent years, FasterCures was actively engaged in efforts that led to the 21st Century Cures Act, working closely with Congress, federal agencies, and the advocacy community throughout its consideration and ultimate passage before becoming law in 2016.